Is Tarell Basham running out of time with the Colts?

Entering the offseason, there was an expectation that defensive end Tarell Basham would make a much larger impact now that he is working in a 4-3 defensive alignment.

He started off hot in training camp, but it seems the Colts haven’t been too impressed with Basham’s development even in a scheme that is better suited for his skill set.

After seeing just nine snaps in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Basham was a healthy scratch from the Week 2 win at FedEx Field over the Washington Redskins.

It is clear the Colts prefer the talents of Kemoko Turay and Al-Quadin Muhammad over that of Basham, who didn’t show much improvement throughout the preseason.

Here’s a look at the snap count breakdown for Turay, Muhammad and Basham in Week 1 against the Bengals:

Turay: 22 defensive snaps (39 percent)

Muhammad: 20 defensive snaps (36 percent)

Basham: 9 defensive snaps (16 percent)

And the snap count breakdown for the trio in Week 2 against the Redskins:

Muhammad: 46 defensive snaps (62 percent)

Turay: 41 defensive snaps (55 percent)

Basham: inactive

Basham had some flashes in the four games ahead of the regular season but after struggling to convert to outside linebacker in the 3-4, which can be extremely difficult, his rookie season didn’t get off to a hot start.

His struggles to maintain the starting defensive end role throughout training camp might have been a precursor for what was ahead.

It’s too early to say the Colts are giving up on Basham. He’s still just 23 years old and could develop the tools necessary to become a situational pass rusher. Some pass rushers take longer to develop, and that could very well be the case with Basham.

However, it is becoming clear the Colts are looking to move in a different direction with their pass rushers hoping to develop the talents of Turay and Muhammad, who have been more productive while showing more promise early in 2018.

It isn’t clear what the future holds for Basham but if he isn’t able to turn into the player the Colts hoped, he could be running out of time to make a lasting impact.

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